•Rep. Ellen Story has led the state-wide PPD Commission that will bring this event to the State House

• MotherWoman’s Program Director, Liz Friedman will be one of the speakers at the event. MotherWoman has played a pivotal role at the state-level in addressing perinatal emotional complications

The event will be held on Wednesday, February 11th, 2015 from 12:00pm – 3:30pm in the Great Hall of the State House, located at 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 01233.

Hadley, MA --- “Even though the odds of developing postpartum depression (PPD) were stacked against me, I still didn’t think it could happen to me. And then it hit. HARD. I felt as if I had jumped out of an airplane with no parachute and all I could do was wait for rock bottom to arrive – but rock bottom never did. I just kept falling. To make matters worse none of my health care providers knew how to deal with it because they had minimal training. They did not know if community resources existed. They did not know about the high rates of PPD. Essentially, they did not know how to help me. But thankfully the MA Postpartum Depression Commission does. I look forward to a time when all moms receive the support and care they need during this difficult period,” said Massachusetts mom, Elizabeth Reinke, RN.

“We are told having a baby is supposed to be a time of great joy. For many it brings on emotions never felt before. It is a devastating experience to feel like there is no hope. Mother’s should feel surrounded by support. It is critical we educate and empower mothers in our communities to feel strength in a time that can be extremely scary,” said Jamie Belsito, Mom from Beverly. Jamie Belsito will be speaking at the event.

Mother’s with lived experience and committed leaders from across the state are gathering in Boston at the MA State House on Wednesday, February 11th, 2015 to raise awareness about the very critical issue of postpartum depression (PPD). Research shows 10 – 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression. These numbers drastically increase when additional risk factors like poverty, domestic violence, addiction and teen pregnancy are taken into consideration. In 2012, there were 72,457 births in Massachusetts. Thus, 7,245 – 14,491 mothers were at risk for or experiencing postpartum depression statewide. When undiagnosed and untreated, postpartum depression can have severe negative effects on mother, infant and birth outcomes, including infant low birth weight and social, emotional and cognitive developmental challenges to babies and children. This can result in an increase in medical expenses, visits to the ER and loss of income to families.

Though PPD is such an alarming issue effecting both mothers and families, there is hope in Massachusetts. Big things are happening statewide that allow communities and leaders to better support mothers at risk for or experiencing PPD. The MA Commission on PPD, co-chaired by Rep. Ellen Story (Amherst) and Senator Thomas M. McGee (Lynn), is charged with making recommendations to the Department of Public Health and the MA State Legislature on advancing best practices regarding PPD screening, treatment and public and professional education. Additionally, newly published PPD regulations for MA will promote screening and reporting for this issue. The Department of Public Health has issued regulations for health care providers (obstetricians, gynecologists, nurse midwives and family care practitioners) that screen for PPD within six months postpartum to report screening. The DPH also mandated insurance carriers that receive PPD screening claims to also report.

“I have been leading the PPD Commission for four years and am pleased with the successes we have accomplished so far. We must continue to raise awareness and address barriers to care for the detection and treatment of mothers experiencing postpartum depression,” said Representative Ellen Story (D – Amherst).

MCPAP for Moms, a new program since July 2014, promotes maternal and child health by building the capacity of providers serving pregnant and postpartum women and their children up to one year after delivery to effectively prevent, identify and manage PPD.

“Pediatricians have been leading the charge for improving postpartum depression because we understand the importance of providers working together to create change for both the health of mothers and their families. I am pleased to be involved in raising awareness to this issue. MCPAP for Moms is an excellent program ensuring that providers are well informed and have access to the necessary resources so that we can care for families appropriately” quoted John H. Straus, M.D., Founding Director, Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP).

MotherWoman will proudly join other communities from around the state at the MA State House to bring attention to postpartum depression and urge legislators to prioritize this issue.

“Postpartum depression is really a community issue. Everyone involved with mom and baby from pregnancy through the first year can help support mothers and provide much needed resources. We are pleased to help communities create comprehensive safety nets for mothers at risk for or experiencing PPD,” said Liz Friedman, Program Director, MotherWoman. Liz Friedman will be speaking at the event.

In partnership with MotherWoman local communities have been actively working to improve perinatal emotional complications. After just 18 months of implementing the CPSM, Franklin County saw significant change across systems of care. Over 90% of mothers were engaged in education, screening and referral as needed. They held eight perinatal depression professional trainings which allowed over 200 providers to receive more specialized training on the issue. Franklin Co. formed a postpartum depression support group and universal screening is being implemented in OB, pediatrics, social services, and in patient. They developed resource and referral mechanisms, crisis protocols and triage protocols. Finally, mental health and hospital policies are systemized across practices. As part of the CPSM, Baystate Health and Springfield perinatal mental health leaders gathered for a community conversation to begin discussing expansion of the existing efforts being implemented. Baystate Medical Center (BMC) PPD Coalition is working to break down the silos of care and ensure that all mothers receive necessary care and treatment. The BMC PPD Coalition is transforming the labor and delivery floor with plans to provide professional education and implement universal screening. Additionally, the BMC PPD Coalition is in the planning stages of a new perinatal mental health support group.

“As Senate Chair of the Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse and a member of the Massachusetts Postpartum Depression Commission, I have heard from both maternal mental health professionals and mothers who experienced PPD about the supports currently in place and the resources desired to help treat PPD. The first-ever PPD awareness day at the State House will provide an excellent forum for all constituencies involved with this issue to raise awareness and promote the changes they would like to see,” said Senator Joan Lovely (D – Salem).

“When the expectation exists that a new mother will function as she did before the baby was born, the kind of attentiveness an infant requires will not only be challenging, it may be impossible. Faced with this expectation, many mothers feel very much alone. In contrast, when as a community we listen to and support new mothers, we support healthy growth and development of the whole family,” said Dr. Claudia M. Gold. Dr. Gold, pediatrician, writer, and director of the Early Childhood Social Emotional Health Program at Newton Wellesley Hospital, will be the keynote at the event.

MotherWoman’s mission is to support and empower mothers to create positive personal and social change for themselves, their families, their communities and the world. MotherWoman also addresses the socio-economic issues facing American mothers by advocating for family-friendly policy. MotherWoman seeks to create a culture that understands and de-stigmatizes screening and treatment of perinatal emotional complications. MotherWoman promotes evidence-informed models in prevention, detection, and treatment of perinatal emotional complications by addressing barriers to care. MotherWoman, is committed to ensuring that ALL mothers in the Commonwealth have information and education, access to resources, and proper care when faced with perinatal emotional complications. MotherWoman has successfully trained many medical and mental health professionals, as well as Support Group facilitators, within various communities across the state to implement this vision.

For more information visit www.motherwoman.org

About MCPAP for Moms:

MCPAP for Moms is an exciting new statewide program designed to bridge the gap between mothers and their limited access to mental health resources and support needed to address perinatal depression. It is an expansion of the successful Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP), which has improved child mental health care in Massachusetts by offering pediatric primary care providers rapid access to child psychiatry consultation, education, and care coordination. MCPAP for Moms aims to promote maternal and child health by building the capacity of providers serving pregnant and postpartum women and their children up to one year after delivery to effectively prevent, identify, and manage depression. MCPAP for Moms provides real-time, perinatal psychiatric consultation and care coordination for obstetric, pediatric, primary care and psychiatric providers to effectively prevent, identify, and manage depression and other mental health concerns in pregnant and postpartum women.

For more information visit www.mcpapformoms.org

For More Information on MA Department of Public Health PPD Regulations visit http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/laws-regs/dph/proposed-regulations/postpartum-depression-screening-and-reporting.html

"I had thought postpartum depression couldn't happen to me. When I was experiencing a severe postpartum crisis, my healthcare providers did not know how to help me, nor could they direct me to community resources. It was scary and disempowering, until I found MotherWoman. The MotherWoman support group truly saved my life, and also directed me to providers who helped me recover. I am looking forward to the time when all moms will be screened for postpartum depression, just as we get screened for gestational diabetes and other possible complications.” - Liz Reinke, MotherWoman Support Group participant.

Research shows that 10 – 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression. These numbers drastically increase when additional risk factors like poverty, domestic violence, addiction and teen pregnancy are taken into consideration. When undiagnosed and untreated, postpartum depression can have severe negative effects on mother, infant and birth outcomes, including infant low birth weight and social, emotional and cognitive developmental challenges to babies and children. This results in an increase in medical expenses, visits to the ER and loss of income to families. This demonstrates the importance of addressing perinatal emotional complications and expanding the CPSM statewide. MotherWoman has already demonstrated the impact the CPSM can make on a community ready to address perinatal emotional complications through their work with Franklin County. Within 18 months of implementing the CPSM, Franklin County saw significant change in coalition development, public education, professional training, community resources/support groups, screening, and referral/triage protocol, all aimed to improve maternal mental health.

The success in Franklin County demonstrates the importance of implementing the CPSM in additional communities to increase available resources to address perinatal emotional complications and allows for mothers to receive the necessary care and treatment they need to improve maternal and family outcomes. Expanding the CPSM within these six communities will ensure that mothers and families have access to essential resources to improve perinatal emotional complications.

“MotherWoman is thrilled to bring the CPSM to new communities across Massachusetts. The CPSM has demonstrated great success within the communities already implementing it. We know that when communities implement the CPSM they are able to address barriers to care like stigma, lack of training, and public education by helping care providers join together in identifying the needs of women with perinatal emotional complications. MotherWoman is committed to providing mothers and families with the care and treatment necessary for recovery in communities across the Commonwealth” said Shannon Koehn, Executive Director of MotherWoman.

To increase knowledge of perinatal emotional complications among all service care providers (mental health, human service, medical) and introduce communities to the CPSM.

To create integrated, community-based safety nets for mothers at risk for or experiencing perinatal emotional complications through the implementation of the CPSM.

To increase access to mental health care for women and families through a network of statewide support groups.

Under MotherWoman’s leadership, community leaders will be trained to develop this model in their own communities to fit their needs. The six communities include: the Baystate High Street Health Center-Pediatrics in Springfield, Cape Cod Child Development serving Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, the Greater New Bedford Allies for Health and Wellness, Lynn Community Health Center, South Bay Mental Health-Brockton, and UMass Medical School/UMass Memorial Healthcare-OBGYN in Worcester.

Baystate High Street Health Center Pediatrics (BHSHC-Peds) provides primary care to infants, children, and adolescents in Springfield. With a particular interest in toxic stress, BHSHC-Peds understands the importance of including pediatric providers in the screening, care and treatment for mothers and families experiencing perinatal emotional complications.

Cape Cod Child Development provides primary care to infants, children, and adolescents in Springfield. With a particular interest in toxic stress, BHSHC-Peds understands the importance of including pediatric providers in the screening, care and treatment for mothers and families experiencing perinatal emotional complications.

Greater New Bedford Allies for Health and Wellness, Inc. reaches an ethnically diverse population with a large portion of the population living in poverty, particularly important in implementing the CPSM due to the unique barriers addressed by this community.

Lynn Community Health Center provides primary medical, behavioral health, eye care, and dental services to the diverse and medically underserved community of Lynn, MA. The OB/GYN team provides comprehensive Women's Health, Prenatal and Post-partum care that includes on-site behavioral health and case management support for all women.

South Bay Mental Health Brockton reaches an extremely diverse population and understands the importance of addressing the societal and cultural barriers mothers experience when seeking care and treatment for addressing perinatal emotional complications.

UMass Medical School/UMass Memorial Healthcare-OBGYN is the primary referral for high risk pregnancies and deliveries in Central MA. UMass Memorial Healthcare-OBGYN will be able to reach a particularly vulnerable population of mothers due to the increased risk factors associated with high risk pregnancies and complicated deliveries and perinatal emotional complications.

“We are honored to receive the opportunity to enhance our community knowledge and resources aimed at improving perinatal emotional complications. BHSHC-Peds has specific interest in toxic stress, which includes the impact maternal mental health may have on a child’s developmental and behavioral outcomes. We are so excited to provide our community with additional resources that will support mothers and improve family outcomes” said Annamarie Golden, Manager, Community Relations and Community Benefit, Baystate Health.

“We are particularly aware of the long term consequences for mothers and families that experience perinatal emotional complications and the stigma associated with maternal mental health. We are honored to have to have the opportunity to work with MotherWoman and improve access to care and decrease the stigma associated with perinatal emotional complications within our community,” said Mary Wilson, Coordinator, Cape and Islands Maternal Depression Task Force.

“We are so honored to have the opportunity to bring the CPSM to New Bedford. Our community has been working on improving perinatal emotional complications for a number of years. However, we are confident in the success we will see in bringing an even more collaborative approach to our community and expanding the resources available to mothers experiencing perinatal emotional complications,” said Barbara Acksen, Chair, Greater New Bedford Allies for Health and Wellness, Inc.

“This is a great opportunity that will allow the health center to better serve women in our community who face barriers to care that include poverty, lack of transportation, isolation, domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, and language barriers. These challenges put our patients at a significantly higher risk for perinatal emotional complications. We look forward to working with our community partners to implement a program that provides support, opportunity and empowers mothers in the community,” stated Dr. Alex Kochowiec, OB/GYN Medical Director, Lynn Community Health Center.

“The announcement from Mother Woman of their six awards for the Community-based Perinatal Support Model has demonstrated their commitment to the residents and families of Massachusetts. South Bay Mental Health is pleased to be part of this clinical initiative and award recipient for the Brockton area. We understand the importance of maternal depression on mother-infant interactions, parenting practices, and the long term consequences associated with it. We are hopeful the CPSM can bring us closer to making sure all mothers receive the care and treatment they need and we will have a long term positive impact on families within Massachusetts,” said Michael L. Pelletier, President and Chief Operating Officer, South Bay Mental Health Center Brockton.

“UMass Memorial Healthcare-OBGYN is thrilled to bring this model to Worcester. It is our goal to improve screening and overcome the barriers many mothers experiencing perinatal emotional complications report in receiving care and treatment. We know we can have success with the help of the CPSM,” said Mary Elizabeth Gamache, CNM, NP, UMass Memorial Healthcare-OBGYN.

“We know MCPAP for Moms, which is a psychiatry referral program for providers caring for mother and children benefits from partnering with communities to gain the highest level of success. Therefore, we find it important to incorporate programs like the CPSM that promote community coalitions and active involvement of community leaders. There is no wrong door. We want every woman to get the services she needs,” said Dr. John Straus, Senior Executive of MCPAP.

About MotherWoman:MotherWoman builds a culture of support for mothers and families by:

Training community leaders and professional who facilitate groups to support and empower mothers to become strong and resilient leaders.

Training medical, mental health and social service professionals about the need for integrated support for maternal emotional health.

Using their nationally recognized Community-based Perinatal Support Model to develop regional multi-disciplinary coalitions.

Working with partner organizations to educate parents and caregivers on policies that impact families.

For more information contact:Liz Friedman413-387-0703liz@motherwoman.org

Hadley, MA - MotherWoman was recently selected for the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Partner Award for their contributions in the area of maternal and child health in the state of Massachusetts. The Mission of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies is to improve the health and safety of mothers, babies, and families through educational materials and collaborative partnerships. “This award is given to an individual or organization embodying the spirit of our Coalition’s mission and vision; improving the quality of care for mothers, babies, and families. MotherWoman is an exceptional organization that provides communities with the tools to change outcomes for mothers. We are thrilled to acknowledge the work MotherWoman has been committed to in improving outcomes for mothers and families,” said Mara Acel-Green, President, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Massachusetts.

“Congratulations to MotherWoman for receiving this well-deserved award. They have made a tremendous difference for moms in Western Mass. and across the state. I am proud to be working with them on the PPD Commission, MCPAP for Moms, and other excellent projects,” said Representative Ellen Story (D-Amherst), Chairwoman of the Special Legislative Commission on Postpartum Depression.

“It is an honor to receive this award and be acknowledged for our accomplishments in improving outcomes for mothers and families. We are so grateful to everyone who supports our mission and makes it possible to grow and expand our knowledge and resources across the state,” said Shannon Koehn, Executive Director MotherWoman.

“We know how critical it is for all women to know that there is hope and to have the help that they need when they need it. We know how important it is that there are professionals who don't think that mothers are crazy and know how to provide resources and care. We know how essential it is for providers to have the right knowledge, tools and structural supports to help mothers during the hardest moments. The Community-based Perinatal Support Model partners with communities to reach these goals. To be acknowledged for the hard work that we’ve done to support communities to make these changes in communities in Western MA is an incredible honor. This is why we are so proud to receive this award,” said Liz Friedman, Program Director, MotherWoman.

Northampton’s “Arts Night Out”, taking place on April 11, 2014, will be filled with Connecticut River Valley Students from Mount Holyoke and other campuses, advocating and educating on Equal Pay Day. Equal Pay Day is a symbolic day that illustrates how far into the year a woman must work to earn the same amount made by a man in the previous year. This year’s Equal Pay Day will be April 8th, 2014, and on the 11th the student advocates will be talking with Northampton attendees of Arts Night Out about Equal Pay Day, and the social issues that inhibit women from being paid equally to their male counterparts. They will be dressed in Americana attire, will hand out balloons, and distribute flyers that highlight the disparities that unequal pay perpetuates. The flyer will contain a link to an online survey regarding policy issues, and those who participate in the survey will be entered into a raffle. MotherWoman, a local non-profit that works to support mothers and their families, through advocating for public policy, is sponsoring this Equal Pay Day event, while working alongside students in the valley to raise awareness about this pressing issue.

In 1963, John F. Kennedy passed the “Equal Pay Act” which aimed to end any and all wage discrimination based on a person’s gender, and ultimately promoted equal pay for workers, male and female. Since 1963, the gender wage gap has improved, but has yet to be eradicated entirely.

Women’s median full-time earnings are 77% of a man’s median full-time earnings; black women’s earnings are 64%; and Latinas earnings are 54%. These disparities in median full-time earnings for women stem from the fact that women are discriminated against, often have to work less due to family responsibilities, and are pigeonholed into the low-wage job sector. On average, women will lose $434,000 during their lifetime due to the wage-gap. This wage-loss could feed a family of four for 37 years, purchase 14 new cars, or could buy two homes.

Women in the United States are burdened with the majority of family responsibilities, and in countries that promote progressive, family-oriented social policies, like paid maternity/paternity leave, flex time and job protection, the wage gap is strikingly lower. Mothers, specifically single mothers of color, are more likely to experience poverty than any other demographic, and this is likely because they are the demographic least supported by policies within the United States. Poverty is known to have detrimental effects on children, as they are more likely to experience malnutrition, will be exposed to a lower-quality education, and are more likely than a child who doesn’t grow up in poverty, to experience poverty themselves. The lack of affordable daycare/assistance, no mandatory maternity leave/paid maternity leave, and no option for paternity leave, often leave women fending for themselves, and their children.

Leigh Edwards, a student at Mount Holyoke College and the organizer of the Equal Pay Day Celebration commented, “In the US, motherhood is treated as a hobby, and leaves no safety net for women once they have children. It’s scary to know that if I ever decide to become a mother, through whatever means, there will be no safety net to help protect my family. If policies were in place that allowed women more options and flexibility for their families, such as affordable or universal childcare, paid maternity/paternity leave, the wage gap would decrease.”

The low-wage job sector is an integral part of our functioning economy, and 2/3 of this low-wage sector is comprised of women workers. These positions are drastically underpaid, and according to The Center for American Progress, 27% of the gender wage gap can be attributed to this occupational segregation and inadequate compensation. The Council of Economic Advisors argues that if the minimum wage were raised to a living wage, this part of the gender age gap would decrease by nearly 5%.

According to the Center for American Progress, increasing the minimum wage to just $10.10 per hour would affect 58.6% percent of Massachusetts’s women. That figure accounts for almost 301,000 women in Massachusetts, many of whom are single mothers supporting their families.

Shannon Koehn, MotherWoman’s Executive Director stated, “Perhaps we will see the day when womanhood and motherhood will no longer hinder a woman’s financial progress. This is why MotherWoman is in full support of social policies like the Living Wage and Earned Paid Sick Time legislation in Massachusetts, as well as paid maternity and paternity leave.” Both the Living Wage and Earned Paid Sick Time legislation will be on the ballot for Massachussetts’ voters to weigh in on in November 2014.

MotherWoman is spearheading the Equal Pay Day event in Northampton, on April 11, 2014. This event will aim to educate the public on myths about the wage gap, and highlight that policies like paycheck fairness, living wage and earned paid sick time, have a direct impact on decreasing the wage gap.

MotherWomanMotherWoman serves mothers and families through support groups and training with community leaders and professionals to facilitate groups for mothers across the region. MotherWoman trains medical, mental health and social service professionals about postpartum depression and anxiety. They have developed and continue to host county-based multi-disciplinary coalitions in implementing their nationally recognized Community-based Perinatal Support Model. MotherWoman engaging mothers, fathers and caregivers in taking action on policies that impact families. http://www.motherwoman.org]]>3/6/14 - MotherWoman Brings Perinatal Depression Intervention to Communities Across the Commonwealthhttp://www.motherwoman.org/press/2014/3/6/3614-motherwoman-brings-perinatal-depression-intervention-to.htmlMotherWoman2014-03-06T18:32:00Z2014-03-06T18:32:00ZFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 6, 2014

“MotherWoman is thrilled to bring the CPSM to new communities across Massachusetts. The CPSM has demonstrated great success within the communities already implementing it. We know that when communities implement the CPSM they are able to address barriers to care like stigma, lack of training, and public education by helping care providers join together in identifying the needs of women with perinatal emotional complications. MotherWoman is committed to providing mothers and families with the care and treatment necessary for recovery in communities across the Commonwealth” said Shannon Koehn, Executive Director of MotherWoman

Research shows that 10 – 20% of mothers experience perinatal emotional complications. These numbers drastically increase when additional risk factors like poverty, domestic violence, addiction and teen pregnancy are taken into consideration. When undiagnosed and untreated, perinatal emotional complications can have severe negative effects on mother, infant and birth outcomes, including infant low birth weight and social, emotional and cognitive developmental challenges to babies and children. This results in an increase in medical expenses, visits to the ER and loss of income to families

“When I had my baby 2 years ago I remember feeling lost with no one there to understand what I was going through or offer any help. Everyone just kept telling me what you feel is normal; you will get over it in time. This program makes me hopeful for future moms and that they will receive the support they need to be healthy for their families and themselves,” explained a mom close to the program.

“We know MCPAP for Moms, which is a psychiatry referral program for providers caring for mother and children benefits from partnering with communities to gain the highest level of success. Therefore, we find it important to incorporate programs like the CPSM that promote community coalitions and active involvement of community leaders. There is no wrong door. We want every woman to get the services she needs,” said Dr. John Straus, Senior Executive of MCPAP.

3. To increase access to mental health care for women and families through a network of statewide support groups.

“We must address barriers to care for Postpartum Depression. MotherWoman's CPSM does an outstanding job of breaking down these barriers, and I'm thrilled to see it expanding across the state," said Representative Ellen Story (D-Amherst), Chairwoman of the Special Legislative Commission on Postpartum Depression.

Who can apply?

Eligible grantees are communities in Massachusetts ready to work together to build an active coalition to address perinatal emotional complications and pursue goals to improve care and treatment. The community must be dedicated to the mental well-being and health of mother’s and families.

MotherWoman’s mission is to support and empower mothers to create positive personal and socialchange for themselves, their families, their communities and the world. MotherWoman also addresses the socio-economic issues facing American mothers by advocating for family-friendly policy. MotherWoman seeks to create a culture that understands and de-stigmatizes screening and treatment of perinatal emotional complications. MotherWoman promotes evidence-informed models in prevention, detection, and treatment of perinatal emotional complications by addressing barriers to care. MotherWoman, is committed to ensuring that ALL mothers in the the Commonwealth have information and education, access to resources, and proper care when faced with perinatal emotional complications.MotherWoman has successfully trained many medical and mental health professionals, as well as Support Group facilitators, within various communities across the state to implement this vision.

MotherWoman builds a culture of support for mothers and families by:

Training community leaders and professionals who facilitate groups to support and empower mothers to become strong and resilient leaders.

Training medical, mental health and social service professionals about the need for integrated support for maternal emotional health.

Working with partner organizations to educate parents and caregivers on policies that impact families.

About MCPAP for Moms:

MCPAP for Moms is an exciting new statewide program designed to bridge the gap between mothers and their limited access to mental health resources and support needed to address perinatal depression. It is an expansion of the successful Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP), which has improved child mental health care in Massachusetts by offering pediatric primary care providers rapid access to child psychiatry consultation, education, and care coordination. MCPAP for Moms aims to promote maternal and child health by building the capacity of providers serving pregnant and postpartum women and their children up to one year after delivery to effectively prevent, identify, and manage depression.

Praeclarus Press and the Simkin Center at Bastyr University are co-sponsoring a new webinar, “Who Will Catch Me?,” based off of the MotherWoman Perinatal Support Group Model to help prevent postpartum depression. The MotherWoman model supports and empowers mothers to create personal and social change by building community safety nets, impacting family policy and promoting the leadership and resilience of mothers. The webinar will be presented by Annette Cycon, LICSW and Liz Friedman, MFA.

The MotherWoman philosophy puts forth that: "Mothers are powerful. Together we can change the world. When mothers are valued and supported, we are more successful in all areas of our lives, benefiting our children, families and communities. Creating communities of genuine respect and non-judgment for all mothers increases our collective power. Laws and policies that support families benefit everyone."

Annette Cycon, LICSW is the Founder and Director of Training of MotherWoman. She has designed and led MotherWoman groups for over 10 years, and, with Liz Friedman, has designed and leads the MotherWoman Facilitator Training. Cycon holds a Bachelors degree cum laude in Psychology and Philosophy from Clark University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Catholic University. She has been a clinical social worker specializing in child and family issues, women’s issues, trauma and recovery, and facilitated the Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse support group at the Everywoman’s Center at UMass.

Liz became a mother in 2002 and experienced a severe postpartum emotional crisis. Liz founded the Postpartum Support Initiative of MotherWoman in 2004, and with Annette Cycon, transformed the MotherWoman Support Group Model into a powerful tool for mothers with postpartum emotional complications. Annette and Liz developed the MotherWoman Facilitator Training to train professionals and lay leaders in how to run successful MotherWoman groups. Liz was instrumental in bringing the issue of postpartum depression to Representative Ellen Story (MA State House, Amherst) and was invited to join in drafting Postpartum Legislation in MA. Liz was an outspoken advocate on behalf of this legislation and in August 2010, the postpartum depression Legislation was signed into law.

Sign up today for reserve your spot to attend this live webinar December 9, 2013 1:00 p.m. EST.

MotherWoman serves mothers and families through support groups and training with community leaders and professionals to facilitate groups for mothers across the region. MotherWoman trains medical, mental health and social service professionals about postpartum depression and anxiety. They have developed and continue to host county-based multi-disciplinary coalitions in implementing their nationally recognized Community-based Perinatal Support Model. MotherWoman engaging mothers, fathers and caregivers in taking action on policies that impact families. http://www.motherwoman.org

Praeclarus Press is a small press dedicated to women's health based in Amarillo, Texas, founded by health psychologist, Kathleen Kendall-Tackett. We offer books, e-books, webinars, white papers, and artwork, all designed to educate providers and empower women to take control of their health.

In December 2012, Sara McKenna, then 7 months pregnant, moved from California to New York to pursue her education at Columbia University. Bode Miller, the biological father, brought a case against McKenna for kidnapping the child (still in utero) by moving. Months later, a New York court ruled in favor of Miller, who took the child to California, where a judge granted custody to Miller. Both state rulings sparked major legal battles with women’s rights advocates and lawyers spearheading the appeals.

On November 14th, 2013, a court determined that McKenna did not kidnap her in utero child to another state, and ultimately allowed McKenna to regain custody of her child, who is now nine months old, until the next court appearance.

"The referee's decision had far-reaching implications for pregnant women, effectively stripping them of fundamental constitutional rights," said Sarah Burns, Professor of Clinical Law at NYU Law and Director of the Reproductive Justice Clinic.

While the Reproductive Justice Clinic and the National Advocates for Pregnant Women spearheaded this court case, a number of organizations were asked to support McKenna in an amici curia brief. MotherWoman agreed to support this brief and was subsequently cited in the court proceedings. MotherWoman was one of twelve organizations listed in the court brief along with the New York Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood of New York City, and Choices in Childbirth.

Executive Director Shannon Koehn said “MotherWoman’s inclusion in these briefs is a huge milestone for us. Constitutional rights cases surrounding maternal issues are a growing in the United States. As an organization whose mission is to support and empower mothers, MotherWoman’s position on this case helps impact a wider conversation fighting for maternal justice.”

Program Director Liz Friedman said, “It’s outrageous to think that a woman can be denied her selfhood and autonomy while pregnant, and that the courts would uphold such a decision. The overturning of this case is a victory for us all, protecting women’s basic constitutional rights at the intersection of our motherhood, womanhood and personhood. A pregnant woman must have authority over her own movements and not be subject to control by the biological father or the state while pregnant.”

MotherWoman serves mothers and families through support groups and training with community leaders and professionals to facilitate groups for mothers across the region. MotherWoman trains medical, mental health and social service professionals about postpartum depression and anxiety. They have developed and continue to host county-based multi-disciplinary coalitions in implementing their nationally recognized Community-based Perinatal Support Model. MotherWoman engaging mothers, fathers and caregivers in taking action on policies that impact families. http://www.motherwoman.org

The National Advocates for Pregnant Women works to secure the human and civil rights, health and welfare of all women, focusing particularly on pregnant and parenting women, and those who are most vulnerable to state control and punishment - low income women, women of color, and drug-using women. http://www.advocatesforpregnantwomen.org

]]>10/21/2013- This Halloween “Rosie The Riveter” Takes To The Streets In Western MA In Support Of Earned Paid Sick Time And The Living Wagehttp://www.motherwoman.org/press/2013/10/21/10212013-this-halloween-rosie-the-riveter-takes-to-the-stree.htmlMotherWoman2013-10-21T18:39:04Z2013-10-21T18:39:04ZFor Immediate Release

THIS HALLOWEEN “ROSIE THE RIVETER” TAKES TO THE STREETS IN WESTERN MA IN SUPPORT OF EARNED PAID SICK TIME AND THE LIVING WAGE

This Halloween, students, community members, workers and parents will take to the streets dressed as Rosie the Riveter to petition door to door on behalf of the Earned Paid Sick Time and the Living Wage ballot initiatives.MotherWoman, a local non-profit committed to ensuring that all parents have the support they need, is organizing a neighborhood canvass to collect signatures from Amherst, South Hadley, and Northampton residents. MotherWoman is partnering with students at several local colleges on this initiative. Students from UMass, Amherst, Mt. Holyoke, and Smith College are excited to do their part to ensure that these initiatives are on the 2014 ballot.

In August 2013, Raise Up Massachusetts presented two ballot initiatives to the Attorney General’s Office: increasing the minimum wage and providing earned paid sick time. The minimum wage increase initiative would stagger the raise beginning with an increase to $9.25 an hour in 2015 and $10.50 an hour in 2016 as well as raise the wage of tipped employees to $4.15 an hour in 2015 and $6.30 an hour in 2016. For all subsequent years following 2016, the Labor Department would consider the consumer index when examining the necessity of a minimum wage increase. The earned paid sick time initiative would allow workers at companies with more than 11 employees to earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked with a 40-hour cap for the year. Workers at companies with fewer than 11 employees would have earned, unpaid sick time.

Both ballot initiatives need 200,000 signatures to be placed on the ballot, so Western MA residents and students will be dressing up as “Rosie the Riveter,” a famous icon for worker’s rights and women’s engagement in factory labor during World War II. They will collect signatures to help make sure that every worker in Massachusetts has the right to earned paid sick time and can afford to feed their family when working full time. Jessica Avery, student at Mt. Holyoke and MotherWoman Advocacy Intern said, “ These two ballot initiatives are vital to Massachusetts workers. These initiatives are about ensuring that workers get what they have earned. All work is meaningful, and that needs to be shown through workers’ benefits.”

Over 1 million workers in Massachusetts do not even have one paid sick day. Approximately 94,000 workers make minimum wage in Massachusetts, which for a fulltime employee is $16,000 per year, and over half a million workers earn between $8 and $11 dollars per hour. According to the Living Wage Calculator developed by MIT, the required income of 1 adult for a living wage in Massachusetts is $23,000. It is nearly impossible to support a family on minimum wage in this state, which means that many fulltime workers are still below the poverty level. According to Public Policy Polling, 61% of Massachusetts’s voters support the minimum wage increase ballot initiative, and 50% of voters support the earn paid sick time initiative.

According to the Center for American Progress, increasing the minimum wage to just $10.10 per hour would affect 58.6% of Massachusetts’s women. That figure accounts for almost 301,000 women in Massachusetts, many of whom are single mothers supporting their families. Dean Cycon from Dean’s Beans said, “ For over a decade, Dean’s Beans has had paid sick time because it is simply the right thing to do. While many businesses believe it will have negative consequences, our program has actually been very positive! We have a healthier, happier, and more committed work force.”

Raise Up Massachusetts is spearheading this campaign, but a variety of coalitions and organizations are involved with bringing these initiatives to the ballot. MotherWoman along with Berkshire Brigade is ensuring that Western Massachusetts does their share to bring these initiatives to the ballot. The Coalition for Social Justice, Progressive Massachusetts, and many interfaith groups are also working very closely with Raise Up Massachusetts to gather signatures. Joe Lazzerini of Raise Up Massachusetts and the Coalition for Social Justice said, “The outpouring of statewide interest in this campaign has been very impressive. We have received over 70,000 signatures, but are still in need of about 130,000 more.”

The “Rosie the Riveter” Halloween event will take place from 6:30-8:30pm in South Hadley, Amherst and Northampton. If you are interested in participating, want to bring this campaign to your neighborhood or want to learn more about MotherWoman’s policy work, contact advocacy@motherwoman.org or call (413)-387-0703.

MotherWoman serves mothers and families through support groups and training with community leaders and professionals to facilitate groups for mothers across the region. MotherWoman trains medical, mental health and social service professionals about postpartum depression and anxiety. They have developed and continue to host county-based multi-disciplinary coalitions in implementing their nationally recognized Community-based Perinatal Support Model. MotherWoman engaging mothers, fathers and caregivers in taking action on policies that impact families. http://www.motherwoman.org

Raise Up Massachusetts works to ensure that working families are able to earn fair wages and care for themselves and family members when they are sick is essential for Massachusetts’s workers They are fighting to require employers to offer earned sick time and raise the minimum wage. http://raiseupma.org

]]>10/5/13 MEMBERS OF MA STATE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION COMMISSION SPEAK OUT ABOUT CAPITOL HILL CAR CHASEhttp://www.motherwoman.org/press/2013/10/5/10513-members-of-ma-state-postpartum-depression-commission-s.htmlMotherWoman2013-10-05T18:49:00Z2013-10-05T18:49:00ZMEMBERS OF MA STATE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION COMMISSION SPEAK OUT ABOUT CAPITOL HILL CAR CHASE

Experts remind law enforcement officials and the public of the number of women who suffer from maternal mental health disorders and need for all mothers to be screened for postpartum depression and psychosis. Mothers need specific care when dealing with long-term mental health conditions.

Boston, MA, October 5, 2013 – Two weeks after the MA Postpartum Depression (PPD) Commission met to discuss screening recommendations and new initiatives to address perinatal mental health across MA,Miriam Carey, a 34-year old mother drove her car with her one-year old baby in it into police barricades near the White House.

“I am deeply distressed about and sorry for the tragic death of Miriam Carey. It is a wake-up call for all of us to do everything we can to identify and treat postpartum depression,” said Representative Ellen Story (D-Amherst), Co-Chairperson of the MA Postpartum Depression (PPD) Commission, and author of the 2010 MA Postpartum Depression Legislation.

According to Postpartum Support International, up to 20 percent of pregnant women and new mothers will experience a maternal mental health disorder, yet the majority of women are not screened, diagnosed or treated. In MA, only a fraction of mothers are routinely screened.

One in a thousand new mothers will suffer from psychosis, in which there is a severe break in reality. Up to five percent of mothers suffering from postpartum psychosis will commit suicide. Prior history of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can lead to postpartum psychosis.

"Postpartum psychosis may cause women to lose touch with reality. A mother may develop delusional beliefs or experience hallucinations which can distort her thinking process. This may impair a mother’s judgment and cause her to behave in unsafe ways because she is trying to protect her and/or her baby from perceived harm," said Dr. Nancy Byatt, is a psychiatrist who specializes in perinatal mental health at UMass Memorial Health Care/UMass Medical School.

Some reports indicate that Ms. Carey had suffered from mental illness prior to having a baby, and the newest reports indicate medication to treat psychiatric disorders were found at her home. What many people don’t understand is that women suffering from maternal mental health disorders can also have no prior mental health history.

“We want all medical providers to understand that pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders are common, real and treatable. We want every woman to have access to care and treatment so that we can prevent escalation and crisis,” said Barry Sarvet, MD, Medical Director of MCPAP and Vice Chair of Department of Psychiatry at Baystate Health. MCPAP is developing services, which include training, consultation and referral to build the capacity of medical providers to address mother's mental health. MCPAP, in partnership with the MA PPD Commission, is working to ensure that all providers are prepared to screen, refer and treat women suffering from perinatal mood disorders.

Rep. Ellen Story added, “The MA PPD Commission with MCPAP and DPH are working hard to bring Massachusetts several new initiatives that will make a significant difference to mothers and families across the state.”

"We must consistently screen, diagnose and treat women who are suffering from perinatal emotional complications. When we don’t do this in a consistent manner we are failing all mothers and families in the Commonwealth,” added Liz Friedman, Program Director of MotherWoman, a MA non-profit committed to helping communities develop system-wide initiatives to address perinatal mental health, and a member of the MA PPD Commission.

"Over 14,000 women in the Commonwealth are negatively impacted each year and the MA PPD Commission and our partners across the state are committed to creating a statewide safety net so that every mother has the resources she needs when she needs them the most,” Ms. Friedman said.

About the MA Postpartum (PPD) Commission

The Massachusetts Special Legislative Commission on Postpartum Depression was established by law in 2010, and tasked with addressing PPD statewide, including screening, treatment, and assisting with new Department of Public Health regulations and initiatives. The body is made up of prominent leaders on the issue including legislators, state agency and nonprofit leaders, a range of medical professionals, and women who have survived PPD. The Commission is currently working on several exciting new initiatives, including the expansion of the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP) to provide consultant and referral services for new mothers via their pediatricians' offices, and a pilot program using Community Health Workers to assist struggling moms at community health centers across the state.

NOTE: When reporting on this issue please be sure to offer local resources for mothers and families currently suffering and needing help.

The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP) is a system of regional children's mental health consultation teams designed to help primary care providers (PCPs) meet the needs of children with psychiatric problems. MCPAP, in conjunction with the MA PPD Commission, is developing similar services to support medical providers to meet the needs of mothers with psychiatric problems.

About Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International is dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression. Postpartum Support International works to educate and support family, friends and healthcare providers so that pregnant and postpartum women and their families get the support they need to recover.

MotherWoman supports and empowers mothers to create personal and social change by building community safety nets, impacting family policy and promoting the leadership and resilience of mothers through support group development, community-based perinatal mental health response and professional trainings for providers.

Ms. Koehn brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit development, most recently as Associate Director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal, Inc. in Buffalo, NY, where she created partnerships on the local, state, and federal level, and orchestrated support for the agency’s $3.1 million Capital Campaign. In addition, she taught multi-level business and management courses as Adjunct Faculty at Bryant & Stratton College. Her business degree is from Medaille College, and she is a lifetime member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

When asked about her work with MotherWoman, Ms. Koehn shared “As a single mother of a wonderful thirteen-year-old daughter, I can wholeheartedly relate to the mission and phenomenal work of MotherWoman. I have been extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by an outstanding “village” of support. This support has made all the difference in my life—both personally and professionally. When I recall the challenges life has afforded me, I am always reminded of the victories because of this support. For this very reason, I look forward to fostering support for others through the advancement of MotherWoman’s continued important work.”

“Shannon M. Koehn is a gifted and engaging leader, whose warmth, community-building, and development skills made her stand out from an excellent pool of applicants from across the nation”, noted Joanne Sunshower, MotherWoman President. “Her experience brings a new level of impetus for expanding our programs across the state, and attracting support for policies that enable families to thrive, such as earned paid sick time and paid parental leave.”

Carla Oleska, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Western MA offered these comments, “MotherWoman has grown strategically over the last few years and is an emerging national leader in the field of support for women and mothers. I’m thrilled with the ongoing advancement of their mission and programs.” The organization has been a Women’s Fund grantee since 2007.

Ms. Koehn succeeds outgoing Executive Director Beth Spong, who will return to her professional practice as a partner with Rainmaker Consulting.

About MotherWoman:

MotherWoman builds a culture of support for mothers and families by:

Training community leaders and professionals who facilitate groups to empower mothers and their partners.

Training medical, mental health and social service professionals about the need for integrated support for maternal emotional health.

Using their nationally recognized Community-based Perinatal Support Model to develop regional multi-disciplinary coalitions.

Working with partner organizations to educate parents and caregivers on policies that impact families.